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Article by: Paul W Wilson
World Wide Web searches are of two kinds: web directories
and search engines. Web directories are extensive catalogues of
web addresses that are indexed by subject and relevance. Experts
review the sites, categorize them, and organize the information.
Searches can be made by category or keywords. And, vast numbers
of websites can be sorted through to locate what is required.
Sites are included either by submission by the owner or by the
directory’s editors when they come across sites.
Web directories are mainly of two kinds:
• General directories that are automated indexes of pages
not vetted by any reviewer or editor. They are a compilation of
web sites and internet documents classified under different categories
or subject indexes. Each listing carries a brief summary of the
content contained within. Examples of popular general directories
are: Google, and Excite.
• Selected directories contain web sites and pages that
have been vetted. These are of a certain quality and standard.
These directories also provide links to other sites and documents
pertaining to a particular subject or theme. They lead you to
links that provide authoritative material written by experts in
each field. Examples are: Librarians Index to the Internet, About.com,
Virtual Library, and more.
Internet browsers can type queries into the directory and the
directory will look for matches. Alternately, a searcher can view
the indexed categories of the directory. Major categories would
include: education, computers, business, sports, family, entertainment,
arts, and so on. Within each category are subcategories that pertain
to different aspects of the main category.
Links in directories are free, paid, or free but need a reciprocal
link. Links are provided on pages with similar or relevant content.
Most beneficial are high traffic directories that have numerous
web sites listed under each category and sub category.
Characteristics of a quality directory are: numerous quality
web sites are present in each category; there are editors who
vet sites submitted; large number of pages in MSN, Google, as
well as Yahoo; has a low Alexa rating; has a page ranker on pages;
and pages are present in DMOZ and Yahoo directories.
The Alexa rating is calculated by the number of visitors to the
site. While PageRank is a rating system of 1-10 for web pages
devised by Google.
Submitting a web site to a directory will: increase click through
traffic; have the site indexed by search engines; get higher rankings
for targeted keywords; and get the site indexed by spiders.
Advantages of directories are:
• Substantial staying power.
• Marketing avenues.
• Exponential growth and popularity.
To be accepted by a directory one must ensure that your site:
• Content is comprehensive, unique, and plenty. Be sure
to add new content regularly.
• Is stable at all times and quick to load. There should
be no broken links.
• Works with multiple browsers as also with the most recent
versions. Test your site accessibility with different browsers.
• Is placed in the most appropriate or applicable category.
Be sure it is distinct from other competitors. It should add value
to the directory.
• Submission details comply with directory guidelines.
Choose a search engine friendly directory rather than one with
outlinks.
Directories must be selected with care. Due consideration must
be given to one-time as well as recurring costs. The pros and
cons of being a part of a directory should be studied before any
steps are taken. Understand completely the world of web directories
and their uses.
Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for http://www.1866Webdirectory.com/,
the premier website directory provides human edited categorized
website listings including business websites, news websites, gaming
websites, shopping websites, travel websites and more. He also
freelances for the premier Submit Article Services site http://www.Submit-Article-Services.com
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